Surcharges for Tenant-Installed Appliances

In rent stabilized buildings, landlords may not charge rents above the legal rent on file with the Division of Home and Community Renewal (DHCR) and may not increase rents beyond the amount established annually by local Rent Guidelines Boards.; however, surcharges are allowed for the use of certain appliances. There are several factors that will determine the amount of monthly surcharges a landlord may charge a tenant for appliance installation and use.The appliances that the DHCR contemplates when allowing surcharges include washing machines, dryers, dishwashers and air conditioners. It should be noted that owners are not required to allow tenants to install washing machines, dryers or dishwashers unless the lease provides otherwise.Other factors that govern the amount of monthly surcharges a landlord can charge include:

costs of water, electricity, energy to heat water and the wear and tear on plumbing;

whether the tenant pays for electricity (“electrical exclusion”) on the premises or whether the owner pays for electricity (“electrical inclusion”);

Our firm has over 20 years of experience in helping landlords understand their rights under the law. We can explain to you what surcharges you are permitted to charge so you can stay compliant with the law. Please contact our office at (914) 965-1011.